Inside the grand hall of the Bai Clan estate, the atmosphere was thick with tension.
Bai Tianheng, the Clan Leader, stood at the head of the hall, his expression calm but his gaze sharp.
Around him, a half-dozen elders were gathered, their faces a mix of concern, skepticism, and even a hint of defiance.
"Clan Leader," Elder Bai Wei said.
"I must speak plainly. Including Bai Zihan among the participants for the ancient ruin is... reckless."
Bai Tianheng’s voice was even, but there was a dangerous edge to it.
Elder Bai Wei pressed on, emboldened by the murmurs of agreement around him.
"Bai Zihan may be your son, but this is an opportunity of unimaginable value—a once-in-a-lifetime chance. We must send only the best of our disciples. Those who are strong, capable, and can help in obtaining the inheritance!"
"Are you implying Bai Zihan is none of those?"
Bai Tianheng’s tone grew colder.
"Clan Leader, let’s be honest. Bai Zihan is only good at creating trouble and would definitely become a hindrance. We are not just saying this selfishly but also for his own safety."
Although Bai Zihan’s recent achievement and the news about his Late Golden Core Stage cultivation might have spread far and wide, it didn’t mean that he was all that powerful.
Of course, for his age, Bai Zihan could be considered quite talented.
But the Bai Clan’s elders were still skeptical about his combat abilities, which they hadn’t seen for themselves.
Additionally, sending Bai Zihan meant that other Bai Clan members would have to babysit him and might lose the opportunity to obtain the inheritance.
Of course, there were also those who opposed it because they didn’t want to risk Bai Zihan obtaining the opportunity, though they believed the chances were very slim.
"So, you think that my son is not qualified?"
Bai Tianheng asked with a frown.
"Exactly! Clan Leader, let’s not take any risks and endanger our heirs’ lives."
Bai Wei said, trying to frame his argument as concern for Bai Zihan’s safety, though his true intentions were obvious.
Bai Tianheng also wouldn’t have liked Bai Zihan risking his life, considering how weak he was perceived to be.
But Bai Zihan had already expressed his desire to go.
And as cultivators, it is normal to risk one’s life for opportunities because that is what cultivation is all about.
If they say it is dangerous, does not going mean avoiding danger?
What if your enemies entered the ruins and obtained the opportunity instead?
Then you could only kiss your future goodbye.
That’s why it was normal—necessary, even—to take risks, especially when considering that this was an opportunity one might not encounter again in a lifetime.
Bai Tianheng let out a deep sigh, his gaze sweeping across the assembled elders.
"You are all so worried about Bai Zihan being a burden? Fine. We will let the participants decide."
The elders exchanged confused glances.
"What do you mean, Clan Leader?"
Elder Bai Wei asked cautiously.
"We will gather all the selected participants—the top disciples, those you all consider capable. If Bai Zihan can convince them that he is not a burden, then he will join them. If they reject him outright, then he stays."
Some of the elders looked hesitant, but a few seemed satisfied with this solution.
After all, they believed the top disciples would easily reject Bai Zihan.
"As you wish, Clan Leader!"
Elder Bai Wei finally nodded, a hint of a smug smile on his lips.
(I have done all you wanted. Now, everything is in your hands, son!)
Bai Tianheng thought.
"Summon all the chosen participants immediately. We will settle this here and now."
Bai Tianheng commanded.
Servants rushed out, their footsteps echoing through the grand hall.
Within minutes, the hall was filled with the Bai Clan’s top young talents—over hundred young men and women, each radiating powerful auras.
Most were at the Golden Core Stage, and a few had even reached the Nascent Soul Stage.
They were the pride of the Bai Clan.
"Why were we called? Is this a strategy meeting for the ancient ruins?"
"Look! All the elders are here too. This must be something important."
The murmurs spread among the gathered disciples.
"Everyone, we have summoned you here for an important matter," Bai Tianheng began.
"As you know, the ancient ruin has appeared, and you all are those who will represent our Bai Clan."
He paused, his gaze turning cold.
"But there is a dispute among the elders. Some believe that my son, Bai Zihan, should not be included. They fear he may become a burden to you all."
The young disciples murmured among themselves—some with surprise, others with amusement.
Many were surprised that Bai Zihan would even be considered, given his previous reputation as a waste.
Even with the recent news about his cultivation, which was impressive, many still doubted his strength, assuming it was a hollow shell.
High cultivation without the skill to utilize even half of its power.
They were also amused that their young master had the courage to enter such a dangerous place.
A coward going to a place where thousands would die?
No matter his status, once inside, it would be every man for himself.
If possible, they would work as a team.
But if not, they would have to fend for themselves—something they doubted Bai Zihan could manage.
"To resolve this, we will let you decide. Bai Zihan will make his case, and you can judge for yourselves."
As if on cue, Bai Zihan strolled in, his expression calm and confident, his gaze sweeping across the gathered elites of the Bai Clan.
"Oh? Everyone is already gathered here?"
He said, glancing around.
There were some faces he recognized well and others he hadn’t seen for years, like the older disciples who were mostly in the Nascent Soul Realm.
Many of them had already left the clan, only occasionally returning to visit.
Their feelings were mostly neutral—they had little to do with Bai Zihan and no strong opinions about him joining.
But for the younger generation, like Bai Jian, it was completely different.
Just seeing Bai Zihan made them angry, and the idea that he wanted to join them because of his status made them even more furious.